As you’ve seen with all those cute newborn outfits, kids outgrow things fast. And when it comes to bigger-ticket items, you really want to get your money’s worth. With a little planning ahead, you can cut down on stress and expense by investing in gear that will grow with your child. Read on to find our favorite products that will be useful for years after your little one is past the baby stage.

A Lovely Leaf

Nuna

From newborn to toddler, kids need a comfy place to chill. The Nuna Leaf Grow Baby Seat and Rocker makes sure your little one is covered. This gorgeous chair can be used by newborns with the infant insert and included toy bar. It also sways without the use of batteries or electricity. Once your child is a little bit older, the three-point harness keeps them safely in place while relaxing. Then, remove the insert with harness to convert the Leaf into a big kid seat that will last for years. Plus, the Leaf has three recline positions to make sure your child is always comfy. 

Bonus: The Nuna Leaf has a sophisticated design that blends in seamlessly with any decor. 

(Nearly) Forever Car Seats

Britax (from Amazon)

One of the most important pieces of equipment new parents need to keep their baby safe is a car seat. While it may be tempting to grab an infant seat and deal with another car seat (or two) later, there are other good options.

Kids can ride in the Cybex Sirona S from newborn stage until they are four years old. And get this: It rotates to face the door, meaning there is no need to uncomfortably lean over baby to get them strapped in! This also means it is much easier for toddlers to get themselves in their car seat once it is front-facing. There is a lot less struggle when they have this independence.  

Bonus: The Sirona S has sensor-safe technology that will alert you when unsafe conditions arise. 

The Britax Grow With You ClickTight Plus SafeWash Harness-2-Booster Seat takes your child from toddler to big kid. Once your little one outgrows their infant seat, focus on a car seat like this that will seamlessly convert to a booster once your toddler becomes a big kid. This will save money and time in the long run. 

Bonus: The Britax Grow With You has three layers of side impact protection. This car seat to booster comes in various versions for different budgets and fun colors and patternsincluding Cowmooflage!

Strolling in Style

Cybex

The Cybex Priam ticks all the boxes for a stroller that can be used for newborns through toddlers. The seat lies nearly flat, has a simple fold and is easy to push on almost every type of terrain. Turn the stroller rear-facing when babies need to see their caregiver, and then easily switch to front-facing once your toddler is ready to see the world. The roomy seat means kids can ride in this stroller even up to age six. Even better, the seat is higher than most, meaning your little one will have a great view of the big world. They can also sit table-height, so there is no need to stick to restaurants or coffee shops that have high chairs. 

Bonus: The Cybex Priam is endlessly customizable with a large selection of seat fabrics, frame colors (including rose gold!) and accent selections.

The Wonderfold Wagon is a stroller-style wagon that will take your child through babyhood (starting at 6 months) and beyond. It has a unique design with two handles for pushing or pulling. There is plenty of room for baby gear or big kid toys, and even room for a sibling! The Wonderfold Wagon is a great choice to take your family everywhere, from park trips to the beach, for years to come.

Tech Beyond Toddlers

bbluv

Some tech is essential for babies but will remain useful as your baby grows, making it worth an upfront investment.

The bbluv monitor and camera is one of those! Keep this camera in your baby's room to see your infant as they sleep. As your little one grows, the same camera can be used to keep tabs on bedtime as your toddler learns to fall asleep independently. Eventually, this monitor will provide peace of mind as you keep an eye on emerging independent play and playdates. 

The Termö 4-in-1 digital thermometer is another piece of tech that will be used regularly as your baby grows into a big kid. Forehead thermometers are essential for babies, but toddlers on up prefer a quick scan to sticking a thermometer under their armpit or tongue. They also let you keep tabs on kids' temps as they sleep.

Bonus: The Termo can also be used to measure air and water temperatures so you make sure your little one (or big kid) is always safe and comfortable. 

Bikes for Beginners & Beyond

Doona

If you are not careful, kids can go through a lot of pricey trikes and bikes. While it's inevitable that kids will need a couple of bikes as they grow, you can cut down on bike-related expenses with some careful planning. 

The Doona Liki Trike takes your child through four phases of childhood. Start with a parent mode that functions similar to a stroller for kids 10 months and up. Then, the Liki converts to a push bike, then a tricycle that your toddler can ride independently, until eventually turning into a bike when your little one is ready at about 30 months.

Bonus: The Liki folds compactly for storage or travel. 

Another great bike that grows with your child is the Strider Balance Bike with Pedal Conversion Kit. Balance bikes can help toddlers learn how to ride more quickly. Once this happens, many balance bikes are tossed aside. Strider balance bikes offer an optional pedal kit that converts balance bikes into regular two-wheelers. This greatly extends your balance bike's useful life!

Grow With Me Activity Center

Oribel

First your bundle of joy needs a place to bounce and play with simple toys. Next, they become curious and need more stimulation. Then, they need an activity table where they can sit and draw. It happens fast! Be prepared with the Oribel Grow With Me Activity Center. This complete set comes with a bouncer, two sets of attachable toys, a table insert and stools. The Oribel Activity Center takes your child from baby to toddler seamlessly, so you will always be prepared for what comes next.

Bonus: Chose from fun themes like Monsterland Adventures and Forest Friends!

High Chair to Toddler Chair

Boon

One day they are trying their first foods. The next they are ready to eat big-kid meals at the table. Boon's Grub 2-in-1 Convertible High Chair takes your baby from purees to chicken nuggets with ease. This baby-to-toddler chair makes it possible for your little one to sit at the table from the time they can sit up until about age three. The secret to making this chair last is in the easy-to-adjust legs and sturdy engineering. Boon also knows how hectic life can be for parents so they made the tray and base dishwasher-safe!  

Bonus: Inserts in different colors are available as an add-on to make sure your child's chair matches any decor! 

Sleep for All Ages

Nestig

There is one thing a child needs from the time they are a newborn until the time they grow old: a comfy place to sleep. Nestig has the first years covered. This clever crib converts from a mini crib to a full-size crib to a toddler bed. Bed transitions are easier since your child is already used to their sleep spot. The bed comes in a few sleek styles and the company also sells mattresses for a perfect fit.

—Jamie Davis Smith

featured image: Doona

RELATED STORIES:

The Best Convertible Car Seats & All-in-One Car Seats

Creative Uses for Old Baby Items

The Ultimate Baby Registry Checklist for New Parents-to-Be

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